Protective helmet comprising a loudspeaker receptacle, and method for manufacturing such a protective helmet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective helmet (1) comprising: an outer shell (4) for distributing impact forces; and an inner shell (2) connected to an inner side (5) of the outer shell (4) for damping impact forces, wherein the inner shell has a recess (6) for receiving a loudspeaker (7), and wherein the protective helmet (1) has a connection unit (8) which is designed and connected to the inner shell (2) such that the loudspeaker (7) can be detachably connected to the inner shell (2) by means of the connection unit (8). The protective helmet (1) is characterised in that the connection unit (8) comprises an elastomer and is designed to clampingly and detachably connect the loudspeaker (7) to the protective helmet (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a protective helmet (1).

Description

[0001] Protective helmet with loudspeaker mount, and method for manufacturing such a protective helmet

[0002] The invention relates to a protective helmet having the features of the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for manufacturing a protective helmet having the features of the preamble of claim 15.

[0003] Protective helmets are regularly equipped with a loudspeaker, or more commonly, two loudspeakers—one on each side, corresponding to the wearer's ear—for various reasons. For the sake of simplicity, however, we will always refer to a single loudspeaker in the following discussion. The use of loudspeakers is particularly relevant for motorcycle helmets. The loudspeaker can serve as part of a communication system (for example, for two-way radio communication) or as an element of an entertainment system. Furthermore, the loudspeaker can also be of additional safety importance during normal motorcycle riding.This allows for safety-relevant communication via the loudspeaker, or, as is generally known from the state of the art, a noise suppression function can be provided, which in turn, with regard to motorcycling, on the one hand increases the comfort of the motorcyclist by reducing driving and ambient noise, and on the other hand increases driving safety, since unusual noises or sirens or signal tones from emergency services such as police, fire brigade or rescue services can be perceived better.

[0004] Integrating loudspeakers into safety helmets presents a challenge. On the one hand, the loudspeaker must be as unobtrusive as possible for the helmet wearer. On the other hand, it must be able to perform optimally in terms of acoustics. Furthermore, it must be considered that the loudspeaker is an electronic component that, ideally, should be easily replaceable, especially given that the lifespan of a safety helmet can generally be longer than that of a loudspeaker, which might eventually need replacing, while the helmet can be used for much longer.The reverse is also conceivable: a protective helmet, for example after a fall, may need to be replaced, but the component in the form of the loudspeaker is still intact and can therefore be used again if it can be easily disassembled.

[0005] A safety helmet integrating a loudspeaker is known from the prior art, specifically from DE 10 2011 108 727 Al. The present invention builds upon this prior art. The safety helmet according to DE 10 2011 108 727 Al has a loudspeaker that is equipped with a so-called baffle and permanently connected to it. The loudspeaker and baffle components are in turn connected to the inner shell of the safety helmet by means of fasteners in the form of retaining clips. Replacing the loudspeaker requires disassembling the baffle from the inner shell, for example by releasing the retaining clips from the connection between the baffle and the inner shell, and removing the baffle together with the loudspeaker from the inner shell or the safety helmet.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a protective helmet in which a loudspeaker can be easily mounted and removed as an additional component, while minimizing any impact on the acoustic properties of the loudspeaker and the comfort of the helmet wearer. Furthermore, the helmet's safety should be minimally affected by the integration of a loudspeaker, and safety should ideally be further enhanced through the proper use of the loudspeaker.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing the simplest possible manufacturing process for a protective helmet, which allows the integration of a loudspeaker without great effort.

[0008] This problem is solved for a protective helmet having the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved for a method for manufacturing a protective helmet having the features of the preamble of claim 15 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 15.

[0009] Essential to the invention is the realization that a stable yet detachable connection, allowing for easy replacement of the loudspeaker, can be provided by using the elastomeric connecting unit as an independent connecting element for the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker can then be easily inserted into this elastomeric connecting unit by clamping, for example, clicking it in, and removed again, for example, by clicking or pulling it out. Advantageously, the use of additional connecting elements for attaching the loudspeaker can then be dispensed with. Any cable connections can be considered as a type of additional connection between other components of the protective helmet and the loudspeaker, which may need to be designed or disconnected separately.The secure hold of the loudspeaker, however, is ensured solely by the connecting unit and its interaction with the loudspeaker and the other surrounding components, usually the inner shell of the protective helmet and, if applicable, the outer shell.

[0010] The proposed protective helmet, which is specifically a motorcycle helmet, has an outer shell for distributing impact forces. The proposed protective helmet also has an inner shell connected to the inner surface of the outer shell for dampening impact forces.

[0011] The material of the outer shell can vary depending on the application. The outer shell, also called the helmet shell, should be highly stable and hard. The outer shell can be made of fiber-reinforced thermoset plastic, or thermoplastic material (which allows for injection molding of the outer shell), or metal or steel. Paint or stickers may also be applied to the outer shell, but these materials are not considered part of the outer shell material in this context.

[0012] The material of the inner shell can also vary. The inner shell, also called helmet inner shell or damping dome, should have good damping properties and is usually softer than the outer shell. The inner shell can, in particular, comprise or consist of a plastic foam, preferably particle foam, more preferably EPS, EPP, or PUR, and especially a plastic foam that is plastically deformable.

[0013] The protective helmet, which is preferably a motorcycle helmet, could alternatively be a military helmet, a combat helmet, a police helmet, or a pilot's helmet. It could also be a firefighter's helmet, a forestry helmet, or a work helmet.

[0014] As proposed, the inner shell has a recess for receiving a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker can be at least partially enclosed within the recess. It is also possible for the loudspeaker to protrude partially into an interior space of the helmet adjacent to the inner surface of the inner shell. Preferably, however, the majority of the space occupied by the loudspeaker is located within the recess, so that the helmet wearer is not disturbed by the loudspeaker. As proposed, the helmet also has a connecting unit. The connecting unit is designed and connected to the inner shell in such a way that the loudspeaker can be detachably connected to the inner shell by means of the connecting unit. "Detachably connected" here and in the following means that the loudspeaker can be connected to the inner shell, but can also be detached from the inner shell again without affecting its function.The intended use of the inner shell would be impaired. The connection between the loudspeaker and the inner shell can generally be repeatedly established and disconnected. The connecting unit thus serves primarily as a link between the loudspeaker and the protective helmet or inner shell; without this connecting unit, the loudspeaker would not be securely seated in the protective helmet and would, at best, only be held in place by a possible cable connection.

[0015] The proposed protective helmet is characterized in that the connecting unit comprises an elastomer and is designed for a clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker to the protective helmet.

[0016] In particular, the connecting unit can be made of elastomer. Alternatively, the connecting unit can also be made of a different material and consist solely of an elastomer, which is then responsible for the clamping, yet releasable, fit of the loudspeaker. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting unit can be a molded elastomer part, and in particular, it can be a single piece. The elastomer or the connecting unit can, for example, comprise or consist of rubber or rubber materials, especially EPDM. The elastomer or the connecting unit serves to enable the loudspeaker to be clamped together. For this purpose, the elastic property of the elastomer or the connecting unit can be used, which is stretched by inserting the loudspeaker into the corresponding receptacle and presses the loudspeaker into its seat.

[0017] In particular, the connecting unit is designed to lock the loudspeaker in place in conjunction with the inner shell of the protective helmet, specifically to press it into its designated recess or position. The connecting unit thus serves as a link between the loudspeaker and the inner shell and as a retaining element for the loudspeaker. Advantageously, no connecting element directly engages the loudspeaker to connect it to the inner shell or the protective helmet. This creates the conditions for the simplest possible assembly and disassembly. Specifically, the connecting unit is arranged in the recess of the inner shell. This means, in the following, that the connecting unit is located between an outer surface of the inner shell facing the inside of the outer shell and an opposing surface (as well as the helmet wearer).(The inner side of the inner shell is located on the inside of the helmet, facing the interior).

[0018] Advantageously, the connecting unit can be configured to acoustically decouple a rear side behind the loudspeaker, particularly one facing the outer shell of the helmet, from a front side of the loudspeaker, particularly one facing the helmet wearer or the interior of the helmet. For this purpose, the connecting unit can be configured to seal the loudspeaker completely in the received state by creating an airtight separation between the front and rear sides.

[0019] Advantageously, the connecting unit can be bonded to the inner shell by material bonding and / or form-fitting, in particular partially foamed into the inner shell. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to connect the connecting unit to the inner shell or to the protective helmet by force-fit or with other connecting elements.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the connecting unit is designed and connected to the inner shell in such a way that disconnecting the loudspeaker from the inner shell releases the loudspeaker from the connecting unit without detaching the connecting unit from the inner shell. Advantageously, a tight fit of the loudspeaker in the connecting unit, which serves as a receiving element, can be released with less force than, for example, releasing the connection between the connecting unit and the inner shell. Particularly preferably, the connecting unit cannot be easily, at least not manually without the use of special tools, detached from the inner shell without damage, unlike the loudspeaker, which can be released from its clamped fit in the connecting unit without damage and with simple movements.

[0021] Advantageously, the connecting unit is designed to partially press the loudspeaker against the inner shell when it is inserted into the recess. Additionally, preferably, a gap is partially provided between the back of the loudspeaker and the inner shell.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the inner shell comprises or consists of particle foam. In particular, the connecting unit can be bonded to the inner shell by back-foaming or partial encasing. Advantageously, the connecting unit can be partially encasing, which ensures a fixed and secure hold within the bond to the inner shell, as well as a tight seal, which can be advantageous for acoustic decoupling of the two loudspeaker sides (front and back). Furthermore, this allows for the arrangement and provision of functional structures, especially the elastomer-containing part of the connecting unit, on the non-foamed side of the connecting unit for the clamping, detachable mounting of the loudspeaker.

[0023] Alternatively, or possibly additionally, to strengthen the connection, the connecting unit may also be attached to the helmet or inner shell via a positive fit and / or force-fit connection. However, it is advantageous if at least partial back-foaming or encasing of the connecting unit eliminates the need for additional fasteners to join it to the inner shell.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the connecting unit has a speaker side facing towards the center of the recess and an inner shell side opposite the speaker side. The connecting unit on the inner shell side has at least one prominent projection for being encased with particle foam and for connecting to the inner shell. Advantageously, this allows for a stable and secure connection between the connecting unit and the inner shell, since the projection, or multiple projections, are embedded as components extending away from an axial section of the connecting unit.

[0025] Here and in the following, the center of the recess is to be understood as the area of ​​the central axis through the recess, which central axis extends centrally through the recess from the outer shell or the base of the recess facing the outer shell into the interior in the form of the free interior volume of the protective helmet.

[0026] Preferably, the axial section of the connecting unit partially forms a lateral edge of the recess and thus represents the transition from the recess to the inner shell in that area. In particular, acoustic decoupling between the front and back of a loudspeaker housed in the recess or in the connecting unit can thus be advantageously achieved. According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the connecting unit has a loudspeaker side pointing towards the center of the recess and an inner shell side opposite the loudspeaker side. The connecting unit has a circumferential, protruding lip on the loudspeaker side for clamping and releasable connection of the loudspeaker to the protective helmet. In particular, the lip is made of an elastomer.This allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the speaker by clamping it under the lip.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the lip of the connecting unit extends, when viewed towards the center of the recess, from an inner surface of the inner shell facing away from the inner surface of the outer shell to an opposite outer surface of the inner shell. This ensures a secure clamping fit of the loudspeaker in the recess or in the connecting unit.

[0028] The inner side of the inner shell preferably faces the interior of the helmet or, when worn, the wearer, while the outer side of the inner shell is the opposite side, facing away from the interior of the helmet or, when worn, the wearer. This outer side of the inner shell, in turn, faces the inner side of the outer shell of the helmet, while the outer side of the outer shell faces outwards towards the helmet's surroundings.

[0029] In particular, the connecting unit can have not just one lip, but two or more lips. The one or more lips can be configured as described above or below.

[0030] In particular, the loudspeaker to be connected to the protective helmet can have one or more structures corresponding to the lip(s), i.e., interacting with the lip(s) when the loudspeaker is inserted. For example, the loudspeaker can have a circumferential groove or grooves into which the lip(s) engage, thus pressing the loudspeaker into its clamping position. Alternatively or additionally, the loudspeaker can also have a circumferential projection, or several circumferential or even isolated projections, against which the lip(s) engage, thus pressing the loudspeaker into the clamping position. It is also possible that the lip, or one of the lips, engages the front of the loudspeaker opposite its rear, thus (possibly additionally) pressing the loudspeaker into its clamping position.

[0031] As an alternative to the embodiments with one (or more) circumferential lip(s), it is also possible that, according to a further embodiment, the connecting unit does not force the loudspeaker into its releasable clamping seat via the lip(s), but that, for example, the free receiving space for the loudspeaker provided by the elastomeric connecting unit, due to the (smaller) free inner diameter of the connecting unit, holds the loudspeaker, which is at least minimally larger with respect to its outer diameter, in the receptacle as intended via the resulting frictional forces or radially inward acting elastic clamping forces.It is conceivable, for example, that even without a lip being provided, the loudspeaker, with a slightly larger outer diameter than in the area of ​​an axial section of the connecting unit, can be pressed or forced into its releasable clamping position in the receptacle and thus into the area of ​​the axial section of the connecting unit by that very connecting unit, whereby the outer flank of the loudspeaker rubs against the inside of the axial section and at least slightly stretches the axial section or the connecting unit, so that the loudspeaker is held in its clamping position by this friction or also the corresponding elastic force transmission.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the connecting unit has a loudspeaker side facing towards the center of the recess and an inner shell side opposite the loudspeaker side. The connecting unit has a circumferential and projecting support section on the loudspeaker side for resting on the rear of the loudspeaker. This support section is designed to partially rest on the rear of the loudspeaker. In particular, this can improve the acoustic decoupling between the front and rear of the loudspeaker.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the inner shell, in the area of ​​the recess, has a front stepped section when viewed from the inner side of the inner shell facing away from the outer shell. Preferably, according to a further preferred embodiment, the inner shell may also have a rear stepped section in this area. This multi-stepped design of the inner shell in the recess area provides a sufficiently large opening for the loudspeaker, allowing it to be both housed and to function acoustically without significantly impairing the damping effect of the inner shell. It is advantageous to minimize the amount of material removed or saved from the inner shell to create the recess.In particular, the front step section extends less far towards the center of the recess than the rear step section.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the inner shell has a central base section in the area of ​​the recess. Preferably, the central base section has a round base. In the case of a loudspeaker integrated into the connecting unit, this central base section can, in particular, define a free air volume located behind the rear. Alternatives are also conceivable, such as the central base section not having a round base, or even being absent altogether, or alternative components forming the rear base of a free air volume behind an integrated loudspeaker.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the inner shell has a recess extending to the opening for receiving and guiding a cable to the speaker. This creates a slot-like recess on the inside of the inner shell, in which the cable can be securely routed without bothering the helmet wearer. The cable can be connected to the helmet's standard cable management system. Alternatively, the cable can extend through the inner shell to the outer shell at a location further away from the speaker recess. Securely routing and positioning the cable near the speaker recess facilitates the installation and removal of the speaker.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the recess in the inner shell (for receiving the loudspeaker) is rotationally symmetrical, and / or the connecting unit is rotationally symmetrical. When considering rotational symmetry in this way, any previously described recess for receiving and guiding the cable is not to be included in the recess itself. Such a recess can, of course, be located only on one side of the recess and extend to the edge of the recess. Rotational symmetry can simplify both the manufacturing and assembly, particularly of the connecting unit.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the helmet is equipped with a loudspeaker, which is connected to the helmet via a clamping mechanism using the connecting unit. This allows for easy and repeated assembly and disassembly of the loudspeaker. Driving safety can also be improved due to the presence of a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker can further incorporate standard electronic components, such as a microphone and a control unit that regulates the loudspeaker's output. Audio algorithms can also be applied.

[0038] Preferably, the lip of the connecting unit can press the loudspeaker towards the outer shell of the protective helmet, in particular onto the front stepped section of the inner shell. More preferably, one (or the) rear side of the loudspeaker can partially rest on the front stepped section of the inner shell and / or on the support section of the connecting unit.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, the protective helmet is provided to have a cable for establishing a connection between an electrical and / or communication device and the loudspeaker, wherein the cable runs at least partially along an inner surface of the inner shell facing away from the outer shell, in particular in a recess extending to the recess.

[0040] Preferably, a plug connection between the cable and the loudspeaker can be located in front of the lip of the connection unit, viewed from the outer shell. This allows for easy coupling and decoupling of the cable connection, for example, to mount or dismount the loudspeaker, while maintaining effective acoustic decoupling of the front and rear of the loudspeaker.

[0041] Alternatively, a connector between the cable and the speaker can be positioned behind the lip of the connector unit when viewed from the outer shell, with the cable running between the lip and the speaker and enclosed by the lip. With this arrangement, viewed from inside the helmet, effective acoustic decoupling of the front and back of the speaker can still be ensured by enclosing the cable with the lip.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective helmet, a sealed air volume is defined by the following components: the rear of the loudspeaker, the inner shell, and / or the connecting unit. This sealed air volume at the rear can positively contribute to the acoustic properties of the loudspeaker. The connecting unit can provide a seal between this sealed air volume and the space in front of the loudspeaker—the volume facing the wearer when the helmet is worn—such that there is advantageously no air connection between the front and rear. The elastomeric connecting unit, i.e., the connecting unit comprising or consisting of the elastomer, advantageously contributes to this effective acoustic decoupling.It would also be conceivable that the enclosed air volume of other components has been partially limited.

[0043] According to a further, independent aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a protective helmet is proposed, which may in particular be a motorcycle helmet. In particular, the proposed method can be used to manufacture a protective helmet as previously or subsequently described.

[0044] Therefore, features described previously or subsequently only in connection with the proposed protective helmet can also be transferred to the proposed manufacturing process where technically feasible and, if necessary, adapted with regard to carrying out a process step, and thus constitute an independent embodiment of the proposed manufacturing process for a protective helmet. Likewise, it is possible that features described previously or subsequently only in connection with the proposed manufacturing process for a protective helmet can also be transferred to the proposed protective helmet where technically feasible and, if necessary, adapted with regard to a specific device feature, thus constituting an independent embodiment of the proposed protective helmet.

[0045] The proposed procedure includes at least the following steps:

[0046] Providing an outer shell to distribute impact forces;

[0047] Manufacturing an inner shell to dampen impact forces with a recess to accommodate a loudspeaker;

[0048] Connecting the inner shell to an inner side of the outer shell;

[0049] Connecting a connecting unit to the inner shell, wherein the connecting unit is arranged in such a way that the loudspeaker can be detachably connected to the inner shell by means of the connecting unit.

[0050] The proposed method is characterized by the manufacture and configuration of a connecting unit comprising an elastomer for the clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker to the protective helmet. The key advantage is that the connecting unit, comprising the elastomer, provides a connecting element that enables a simple and reversible assembly step for mounting and dismounting the loudspeaker. Advantageously, the loudspeaker can be easily clicked into the connecting unit or into the receiving space provided by the connecting unit in conjunction with the surrounding inner shell, and clamped securely in place, and can also be easily removed from the assembly.

[0051] In particular, the inner shell is manufactured using a foaming process. Preferably, the inner shell is made of particle foam. Specifically, the inner shell is made of EPS, EPP, PUR, or the like. Preferably, the recess in the inner shell can be formed directly during the manufacturing process, especially during the foaming process. For this purpose, a negative of the recess can advantageously be positioned at a location during the foaming process where the recess is to be located later, after the negative is removed.

[0052] Preferably, the connecting unit can be joined to the inner shell directly during the manufacturing process of the inner shell, particularly during the foaming process. Preferably, the connecting unit is joined to the inner shell by partially foaming over it, especially on the side facing away from the recess in the inner shell or on the inner shell side facing the inner shell. This allows a stable connection to form between the connecting unit and the inner shell. Advantageously, the connecting unit can have one or more protrusions or legs projecting from its inner shell side, which are foamed over to form a secure connection.

[0053] A particularly advantageous aspect of the proposed method is the connection of the loudspeaker described above to the protective helmet. This is achieved by inserting the loudspeaker from an interior space of the helmet adjacent to an inner surface of the inner shell into the recess of the inner shell and clamping it to the connecting unit. Specifically, a plug connection between a cable of the protective helmet and the loudspeaker can be formed either before or after insertion into the recess.

[0054] Further advantageous and preferred embodiments will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. The drawing, which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments, shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a proposed protective helmet, the helmet being shown in a partial section, namely with the inner shell and the connecting unit partially cut away, according to view a) in a perspective view into the protective helmet, and according to view b) in an enlarged, broken partial view;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a side view in a sectional view of a partially depicted proposed protective helmet and a loudspeaker arranged at a distance from the recess for receiving the loudspeaker;

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a side view in a sectional view of the partially depicted proposed protective helmet according to Fig. 2 in a view analogous to Fig. 2, with the loudspeaker now included in the recess; and

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a proposed connecting unit, as shown in view a) in a perspective view from above, and as shown in view b) in a sectional view along the section line AA from view a) of Fig. 4.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a proposed protective helmet 1, in this case a motorcycle helmet. The helmet 1 is shown in a perspective view in view a) and only partially in view b), corresponding to the broken edge indicated by dashed lines in view a). In both views a) and b) of Figure 1, the view is of an inner area of ​​the helmet 1, specifically looking inside at the right cheek area. In this view, the perspective is directed towards an inner shell 2, specifically the inner surface 3 of the inner shell 2. The inner shell 2 is connected from the inside to an outer shell 4, in this case by being foamed onto the inner surface 5 of the outer shell 4 (see also Figures 2 and 3).

[0059] In the two illustrations according to Fig. 1, a portion of the inner shell 2 is cut out, allowing a clearer view of a recess 6 in the inner shell 2 and the loudspeaker 7 housed therein. The inner shell 2 is shown hatched in the cut-out area, revealing a partial view of the inner surface 5 of the outer shell 4. Furthermore, a connecting unit 8, which serves to hold the loudspeaker 7 in the recess 6 and will be described in detail later, is shown in a partially cut-out view. The connecting unit 8, a rotationally symmetrical elastomer molded part, is also shown in a partially cut-out view in Fig. 1, allowing a better understanding of its interaction with the loudspeaker 7 and its integration into the inner shell 2.

[0060] The outer shell 4 serves to protect the helmet wearer from external forces acting from the environment U and, specifically, to distribute such impact forces, which can occur, for example, in a motorcycle crash. The inner shell 2, in turn, serves to dampen these impact forces, which is why the inner shell 2 is preferably made of plastic foam.

[0061] During the foaming process, the inner shell 2, which is shown and is therefore preferred, is produced from a particle foam. A recess 6 is formed during the foaming step of the inner shell 2, either by not foaming this area (a preferred method) or, alternatively, by subsequently forming the recess 6 after the foaming process. This recess 6 serves to accommodate a loudspeaker 7, which is shown in the illustrations in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows a partial section of a proposed protective helmet 1, in which, unlike in Fig. 1, the loudspeaker 7 is positioned further away from the recess 6 and not yet contained within it. The loudspeaker 7 is thus located further inside the protective helmet 1. The movement of inserting the loudspeaker 7 into the recess 6 is indicated by a dashed arrow. Fig. 3 again shows, analogously to the representations in Fig. 1, how the loudspeaker 7 is arranged within the recess 6. Reference is subsequently made to all Figs. 1 to 3, as well as to Fig. 4, which shows a proposed connecting unit 8.

[0063] The connecting unit 8 is located in the recess 6. The connecting unit 8 serves as a connection between the loudspeaker 7 and the inner shell 2, or protective helmet 1. The connecting unit 8 thus acts as the intermediary between the loudspeaker 7 component and the protective helmet 1. Without the connecting unit 8, the loudspeaker would not be securely or sufficiently connected to the protective helmet 1. While the cable connection to the loudspeaker 7 via cable 9 of the integrated cable management system in the protective helmet 1 could, on its own, provide a partial connection between the loudspeaker 7 and the protective helmet 1, such a purely cable-based connection would not be sufficiently secure in this case. The risk of the loudspeaker 7 becoming detached or dangling loosely from cable 9, which would be bothersome to the helmet wearer, would be too great. In addition to the aforementioned function of the connecting unit 8 as a connecting element, the fact that...The connecting unit 8 also has the important property of being significant for the acoustic properties. It provides a sealing effect and thus acoustic decoupling of an enclosed air volume 10 behind the loudspeaker 7 from the area in front of the loudspeaker 7, as shown in Fig. 3 when assembled. As can be seen in Fig. 3, an enclosed air volume 10 is formed between the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7 and the inner shell 2 in the interior of the recess 6. The enclosed air volume 10 behind the loudspeaker 7 can also be partially limited by the connecting unit 8 itself. As shown in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 3, a lower, inner leg of the connecting unit 8, in the form of the support section 12 of the connecting unit 8, can extend inwards below the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7 to such an extent that this support section 12 also limits the enclosed air volume 10. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable, not as shown, to have the air volume 10 at least partially limited by other components. As a result, the volume behind the loudspeaker and the area in front of the front 13 of the loudspeaker 7, i.e., facing the inner volume or the helmet wearer, are sealed off from each other and acoustically decoupled.

[0064] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, it would also be conceivable that the connecting unit 8 not only extends behind the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7 due to the support section 12, but that the corresponding lower inner leg extends even further inwards in the direction of the recess 6 and, for example, further covers the components of the inner shell 2, so that the enclosed air volume 10 mentioned is limited only by the connecting unit 8 in conjunction with the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7.

[0065] To achieve the best possible acoustic properties, the described enclosed rear air volume 10, as well as the airborne acoustical decoupling or separation and sealing of this space from the space located in front of the front 13 of the loudspeaker 7 and the space of the helmet wearer, and thus the desired receiver of the loudspeaker 7, are important. This is achieved here by means of the connecting unit 8 comprising or consisting of an elastomer, as will be described in detail later.

[0066] In the present and therefore preferred embodiment, the inner shell 2 consists of a particle foam. Specifically, EPS, EPP, PUR, and the like are conceivable materials, but in the presented and preferred embodiment, the inner shell 2 is made of EPS, insofar as the protective helmet 1 has an EPS side panel.

[0067] The inner shell 2 is connected to the outer shell 4 via its outer surface 14, specifically by being applied to the inner surface 5 of the outer shell 4. For this purpose, the inner shell 2 can, for example, be foamed directly onto the inner surface 5 of the outer shell 4, or alternatively, it can be attached to this inner surface 5.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, which is therefore preferred, the outer shell 4 consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic. In particular, other materials or additional structures can also be arranged on the outer surface 15 of the outer shell 4, or differing structures can extend partially through the outer shell 4, such as external coatings, applied stickers, or integrated ventilation openings and covers, and the like.

[0069] The inner shell 2, applied to the inside of the outer shell 4, has a recess 6 that serves to accommodate the loudspeaker 7. This recess 6 is preferably formed during the foaming process of the inner shell 2. The recess 6 is located in the ear area of ​​the protective helmet 1 or the inner shell 2, so that the loudspeaker 7 can also be positioned in the ear area.

[0070] The recess 6 is deep enough that, in the embodiment shown, the loudspeaker 7 (see Figs. 1 and 3) is essentially located within the recess 6, meaning that the loudspeaker 7 is largely recessed within it. Complete recessing of the loudspeaker 7 within the recess 6 is also possible. It is important that any minimal protrusion of the loudspeaker 7 does not negatively affect the helmet wearer. In principle, padding (not shown) can be arranged on the inner surface 3 of the inner shell 2 to increase the helmet's comfort and also to ensure that the loudspeaker 7 no longer protrudes in a bothersome manner. In this context, the recess for the loudspeaker 7 can therefore also be understood as at least partially recessing it within the recess 6.

[0071] The recess 6 is stepped. Thus, the inner shell 2, in the area of ​​the recess 6, viewed from its inner side 3, first has a front stepped section 16 and then a rear stepped section 17. Furthermore, the inner shell 2, in the area of ​​the recess 6, has a central base section 18, which in this case has a circular base. The central base section 18 has a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear stepped section 17, which in turn is smaller than the outer diameter of the front stepped section 16. The recess 6 is rotationally symmetrical, whereby a depression 19 extending to the recess 6 for receiving and guiding the cable 9 to the loudspeaker 7 is not to be considered part of the recess 6 in this analysis.

[0072] The front stepped section 16 serves as a support and thus for mounting the loudspeaker 7 when it is inserted into the recess 6, as can be seen in Fig. 3. The loudspeaker 7 is clamped into its secure position in the recess 6, specifically against the front stepped section 16, by means of the connecting unit 8, as will be described in more detail later. Although the previously mentioned circumferential and protruding support section 12, which extends inwards on the loudspeaker side 20, also serves to support the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7, the front stepped section 16 is designed as a supporting contact surface for the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7, or more precisely, for an outer circumferential ring surface of the rear 11. The support section 12 extends along the upper surface of the front stepped section 16 towards the center of the recess 6.In the present and therefore preferred embodiment, the support section 12 of the connecting unit 8 does not cover the entire surface of the upper side of the front step section 16, but only about 75%. According to an alternative further embodiment not shown, the support section 12 can also be shorter and cover about less than 75% of the surface of the upper side of the front step section 16, or it can also be longer and even cover, for example, the entire upper side of the front step section 16.

[0073] The inward-facing side of the rotationally symmetrical connecting unit 8 is generally designated as the loudspeaker side 20 (see, for example, Fig. 4), while the opposite and therefore outer circumferential side of the connecting unit 8 is designated as the inner shell side 21. In the assembled state, the connecting unit 8 consequently has the loudspeaker side 20 pointing towards the center of the recess 6 and the inner shell side 21 opposite the loudspeaker side 20.

[0074] The rear stepped section 17 has the advantage of minimizing the amount of material required for the inner shell 2, thus minimizing the loss of damping properties of the inner shell 2, while simultaneously enabling the integration and optimization of the acoustic properties of the loudspeaker 7. As already mentioned, it is advantageous that a free and unobstructed, sealed air volume 10 is formed behind the loudspeaker 7. However, this requirement conflicts with the requirement for the largest possible, continuous inner shell 2 for damping impact forces.The multi-stage design of the recess 6, using the front step section 16 and, if necessary, the rear step section 17, provides the best possible compromise between a good and secure fit of the loudspeaker 7 in the recess 6, the good development of the acoustic properties, and the best possible damping of impact forces.

[0075] The connecting unit 8 has two additional outer legs on the inner shell side 21 in the form of two projecting protrusions 22 for being encased in the particle foam of the inner shell 2 and thus for bonding to the inner shell 2. Specifically, a lower protrusion 22 is provided, which extends further into the material of the inner shell 2 than the upper protrusion 22. In other words, the lower protrusion 22 is longer than the upper protrusion 22. Alternatively, only one protrusion 22 or other structures could be provided on the inner shell side 21 of the connecting unit 8. The function of these protrusions 22, or alternatively other structures, is to anchor the connecting unit 8 more securely in the inner shell 2. A better hold can be ensured by encasing these outer protrusions 22 in foam.

[0076] As can be seen in cross-section in Figs. 2 and 3, and also indicated in Fig. 1, it is preferred if the entire side facing away from the loudspeaker 7 when viewed in a recorded state, i.e. the inner shell side 21, is completely enclosed or contacted by back-foaming with the particle foam of the inner shell 2.

[0077] The particle foam therefore also encloses the axial section 23 of the connecting unit 8 on its inner shell side 21 facing away from the recess 6 or the loudspeaker 7. The axial section 23 is understood to be the section of the connecting unit that is essentially responsible for the axial extent, i.e., the extent from a bottom side of the connecting unit 8 to its top side, or, when installed in the protective helmet 1, along the direction from the outer shell 4 inwards towards the interior of the protective helmet 1. In its installed state, the axial section 23 itself partially forms the lateral edge of the recess 6 of the inner shell 2 and thus the transition between the space of the recess 6, in which the loudspeaker 7 is to be positioned, and the material of the inner shell 2.

[0078] For a description of the connecting unit 8, particular reference can be made to Fig. 4, in which the connecting unit 8 is shown in isolation. It is depicted in view a) as a perspective view from above and in view b) as a cross-section corresponding to section line AA in view a) of Fig. 4. The connecting unit 8 is rotationally symmetrical and, in the present embodiment, consists entirely of an elastomer. It is formed in one piece. Therefore, the connecting unit 8 can also be described as an elastomerically manufactured molded part or as an elastomer molded part. Suitable materials include, for example, rubber or EPDM.

[0079] The connecting unit 8 has a circumferential and protruding lip 24 on the loudspeaker side 20 for clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker 7 to the protective helmet 1. This lip 24 extends inwards and downwards with respect to the connecting unit 8; that is, when viewed in an installed state, the lip 24 of the connecting unit 8 extends from the inner side 3 of the inner shell 2 to the opposite outer side 14 of the inner shell 2, towards the center of the recess 6.

[0080] This elastomer lip 24 presses the loudspeaker 7, in its position in the recess 6 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3), towards the outer shell 4 of the protective helmet 1 into its intended clamping position, specifically onto the front step section 16 or the support section 12. In this way, the connecting unit 8 arranged in the recess 6 ensures that the loudspeaker 7 is connected to the protective helmet 1 via a clamping fit. This clamping fit is reversible; just as the loudspeaker 7 can be inserted into the clamping fit manually and without tools, it can also be manually removed from the recess 6 without tools by releasing the connection with the connecting unit 8, specifically by clamping it behind the lip 24. The loudspeaker 7 can therefore be manually and tool-free connected to the inner shell 2 by means of the connecting unit 8.

[0081] The lip 24 can also be referred to as a sealing lip. It also ensures reliable acoustic decoupling of the rear 11 of the loudspeaker 7 from the front 13 facing the helmet wearer.

[0082] To mount the loudspeaker 7, it is pressed into the recess 6 from above. The circumferential lip 24, made of elastomer, is stretched by interaction with the loudspeaker 7. As the loudspeaker 7 is moved further until it abuts the front step section 16 or the support section 12, the loudspeaker 7 is clamped under the lip 24. For this purpose, in the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, the lip 24 is arranged along its entire circumference on the inside of the loudspeaker side 20 of the connecting unit 8. Furthermore, the loudspeaker 7 has a circumferential groove 25 into which the elastomer lip 24 can project and engage, thus pressing the loudspeaker 7 downwards into its clamping position. Alternatively, according to another embodiment not shown, the loudspeaker 7 could have a groove 25 on its circumferential side instead of the circumferential groove 25.The outer surface may have a circumferential projection, or even several defined projections, upon which the lip 24 could bear and thus press the loudspeaker 7 into its clamping position. The lip 24 could also engage the front surface 13 of the loudspeaker 7, opposite the rear surface 11 of the loudspeaker 7, and press it into its clamping position. As shown here, the loudspeaker 7 can also have more than one circumferential groove 25, for example, two as shown here, or alternatively even more grooves. In the embodiment shown here, a plug receptacle 28 is arranged in the further groove located closer to the front surface 13, the function of which will be described in more detail later. It is also conceivable that the connecting unit 8 has not only one inwardly directed, circumferential lip 24 (as shown here), but even two or more lips.In particular, it is conceivable that two inwardly directed lips engage two circumferential grooves of the loudspeaker to be mounted, or two corresponding structures of the loudspeaker, be they grooves, projections, or even the front of the loudspeaker. Finally, it is also possible that, according to a further embodiment not shown, the connecting unit 8 does not force the loudspeaker 7 into its releasable clamping position via the lip(s) 24, but rather that, for example, the free receiving space provided for the loudspeaker by the elastomeric connecting unit, due to its smaller free inner diameter, holds the loudspeaker, which is at least minimally larger in terms of its outer diameter, securely in the receptacle via the resulting frictional forces or radially inward-acting elastic clamping forces.It is conceivable, for example, that – in deviation from the illustrated embodiment and even without a lip 24 being provided – the loudspeaker 7, with a minimally larger outer diameter than in the area of ​​the axial section 23 of the connecting unit 8, can be pressed or forced into its releasable clamping fit in the receptacle and thus into the area of ​​the axial section 23 of the connecting unit 8 by that very connecting unit 8, whereby the outer flank of the loudspeaker 7 rubs against the inside of the axial section 23 and stretches the axial section 23 or the connecting unit 8 at least slightly radially outwards, so that the loudspeaker 8 is held in its clamping fit by this friction or also by the resulting radially inwards acting force.

[0083] The loudspeaker 7 is securely locked in its installed position within the recess 6 or in the clamping seat in the connecting unit 8. The connecting unit 8 has a central, continuous opening 26. Advantageously, the proposed system also reduces the installation space required for fixing the loudspeaker 7 in the protective helmet 1, as the installation space is essentially limited to the actual height, i.e., the axial height, of the loudspeaker 7. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, the axial height of the connecting unit 8, which is responsible for mounting the loudspeaker 7, is smaller than the axial height of the loudspeaker 7 itself. Furthermore, the shock-absorbing particle foam of the inner shell 2 is advantageously not further restricted in its function by other components or fastening systems in the vicinity of the loudspeaker.

[0084] For the final integration of the loudspeaker 7 into the protective helmet 1, a cable connection must also be established. The cable 9, which has a plug 27 at its end for insertion into the plug receptacle 28 in the loudspeaker 7, is generally arranged and routed as part of the helmet's internal cable management system in the recess 19 on the inner side 3 of the inner shell 2. This cable 9 serves to establish a connection between an electrical device, such as the power supply system, and / or a communication device, and the loudspeaker 7. It is also conceivable that the loudspeaker 7 has a battery or rechargeable battery and no further electrical power supply is required for the loudspeaker 7. The cable management system of the protective helmet 1 can generally connect the loudspeaker 7 to the so-called main unit, which is typically located at a lower rear area of ​​the protective helmet 1.The connector 29 between the cable 9 and the loudspeaker 7 is located in front of the lip 24 of the connection unit 8 when viewed in the direction of the outer shell 4. Alternatively, according to a further embodiment not shown, this connector 29 between the cable 9 and the loudspeaker 7 could also be located behind the lip 24 of the connection unit 8 when viewed in the direction of the outer shell 4, in which case the cable 9 would be routed between the lip 24 and the loudspeaker 7 and enclosed by the lip 24.

[0085] The illustrated and therefore preferred embodiment of the protective helmet 1 has the particular advantage that it eliminates the need for complex additional fasteners and, above all, the assembly measures associated with them, or even less secure fasteners. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, no screws or clips, no additional plastic elements, and no hook-and-loop or adhesive connections are used to attach the loudspeaker 7 to the inner shell 2. The elastomer provided by the connecting unit 8, which is advantageously integrated directly into the inner shell 2 itself, for example by encasing the connecting unit 8 during the manufacturing of the inner shell 2, alone and without any further components, provides a detachable and clamping connection between the loudspeaker 7 and the protective helmet 1.It is particularly advantageous that the connecting unit 8 is designed and connected to the inner shell 2 in such a way that disconnecting the loudspeaker 7 from the inner shell 2, for example to remove the loudspeaker 7 which is mounted in the recess 6, does indeed detach the loudspeaker 7 from the connecting unit 8, but does not detach the connecting unit 8 from the inner shell 2. Rather, the connecting unit 8 remains completely and intact on the protective helmet 1, so that the loudspeaker 7 or another loudspeaker can be reconnected to it and thus mounted in the recess 6.

[0086] Reference symbol list

[0087] 1 protective helmet

[0088] 2 inner shell

[0089] 3 Inside of the inner shell

[0090] 4 Outer shell

[0091] 5 Inside of the outer shell

[0092] 6 recess

[0093] 7 speakers

[0094] 8 Connection unit

[0095] 9 cables

[0096] 10 enclosed air volume

[0097] 11 Back of the speaker

[0098] 12th edition section

[0099] 13 Front of the speaker

[0100] 14 Outer surface of the inner shell

[0101] 15 Outer surface of the outer shell

[0102] 16 front step section

[0103] 17 rear step section

[0104] 18 central base section (in the recess)

[0105] 19 In-depth study

[0106] 20 speaker side

[0107] 21 Inner shell page

[0108] 22 lead

[0109] 23 Axial section

[0110] 24 Lippe

[0111] 25 circumferential grooves

[0112] 26 continuous opening

[0113] 27 plugs

[0114] 28 Plug socket

[0115] 29 Connector

Claims

Patent claims 1. Protective helmet (1), in particular a motorcycle helmet, with an outer shell (4) for distributing impact forces, with an inner shell (2) connected to an inner side (5) of the outer shell (4) for damping impact forces, wherein the inner shell (2) has a recess (6) for receiving a loudspeaker (7), and wherein the protective helmet (1) has a connecting unit (8) which connecting unit (8) is configured and connected to the inner shell (2) in such a way that the loudspeaker (7) can be detachably connected to the inner shell (2) by means of the connecting unit (8), characterized in that the connecting unit (8) comprises an elastomer and is configured for a clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker (7) to the protective helmet (1).

2. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit (8) is arranged and connected to the inner shell (2) such that disconnecting the connection of the loudspeaker (7) from the inner shell (2) results in the loudspeaker (7) being detached from the connecting unit (8) without detaching the connecting unit (8) from the inner shell (2).

3. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner shell (2) comprises or consists of particle foam, wherein, preferably, the connecting unit (8) is connected to the inner shell (2) by back-foaming.

4. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting unit (8) has a loudspeaker side (20) pointing towards a center of the recess (6) and an inner shell side (21) opposite the loudspeaker side (20), and wherein the connecting unit (8) has at least one protruding projection (22) on the inner shell side (21) for foaming with particle foam and for connecting to the inner shell (2).

5. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting unit (8) has a loudspeaker side pointing towards a center of the recess (6). (20) and one of the inner shell sides opposite the speaker side (20) (21) and wherein the connecting unit (8) has a circumferential and protruding lip (24) on the loudspeaker side (20) for clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker (7) to the protective helmet (1).

6. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 5, wherein the lip (24) of the connecting unit (8) extends back towards the center of the recess (6) from an inner side (3) of the inner shell (2) facing away from the inner side (5) of the outer shell (4) to an opposite outer side (14) of the inner shell (2).

7. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting unit (8) has a loudspeaker side pointing towards a center of the recess (6). (20) and one of the inner shell sides opposite the speaker side (20) (21) and wherein the connecting unit (8) on the loudspeaker side (20) has a circumferential and protruding support section (12) for supporting a rear (11) of the loudspeaker (7).

8. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner shell (2) has a front stepped section (16) in the area of ​​the recess (6), viewed from an inner side (3) of the inner shell (2) facing away from the outer shell (4).

9. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 8, wherein the inner shell (2) in the area of ​​the recess (6), viewed from an inner side (3) of the inner shell (2) facing away from the outer shell (4), further comprises a rear stepped section (17).

10. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner shell (2) has a recess (19) extending to the recess (6) for receiving and guiding a cable (9) to the loudspeaker (7).

11. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recess (6) of the inner shell (2) is rotationally symmetric, and / or wherein the connecting unit (8) is rotationally symmetric.

12. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, with a loudspeaker (7) which is connected to the protective helmet (1) via a clamping fit by means of the connecting unit (8), wherein, preferably, the lip (24) of the connecting unit (8) pushes the loudspeaker (7) towards the outer shell (4) of the protective helmet (1), in particular onto the front stepped section (16) of the inner shell (2), wherein, further preferably, a rear side (11) of the loudspeaker (7) rests on the front stepped section (16) of the inner shell (2) and / or on the support section (12) of the connecting unit (8).

13. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a cable (9) for establishing a connection between an electrical and / or communication device and the loudspeaker (7), wherein the cable (9) runs along an inner surface (3) of the inner shell (2) facing away from the outer shell (4), in particular in a recess (19) extending to the recess (6), wherein, preferably, either a plug connection (29) between the cable (9) and the loudspeaker (7) is arranged in front of the lip (24) of the connection unit (8) when viewed in the direction of the outer shell (4), or a plug connection (29) between the cable (9) and the loudspeaker (7) is arranged behind the lip (24) of the connection unit (8) when viewed in the direction of the outer shell (4), and the cable (9) is passed between the lip (24) and the loudspeaker (7) and enclosed by the lip (24).

14. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a closed air volume (10) is limited by a rear (11) of the loudspeaker (7) and furthermore: by the inner shell (2), and / or by the connecting unit (8).

15. Method for manufacturing a protective helmet (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: Providing an outer shell (4) for distributing impact forces; producing an inner shell (2) for damping impact forces with a recess (6) for receiving a loudspeaker (7); Connecting the inner shell (2) to an inner side (5) of the outer shell (4); Connecting a connecting unit (8) to the inner shell (2), wherein the connecting unit (8) is arranged such that the loudspeaker (7) can be detachably connected to the inner shell (2) by means of the connecting unit (8); characterized in that the connecting unit (8) is manufactured and arranged to provide a clamping, detachable connection of the loudspeaker (7) to the protective helmet (1) and to include an elastomer.

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